HC Deb 27 July 1966 vol 732 cc1714-5
35. Mr. Palmer

asked the Lord President of the Council when he will move to appoint the Select Committee on Science; and what will be the proposed terms of reference.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Herbert Bowden)

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the outcome of the discussions which are taking place.

Mr. Palmer

Does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that this sensible proposal has been hanging fire for a very long time? There is a general desire on both sides of the House for a Select Committee on Science to be appointed. Cannot things be speeded up, and this tremendous delay avoided?

Mr. Bowden

I accept that there has been some delay in the discussions on the setting up of this proposed Select Committee. It has, nevertheless, to be appreciated that we do not desire to duplicate the work which is being done by a Sub-Committee of the Estimates Committee, and in considering the terms of reference of the civil aspect of science and technology, we want to be sure that we get them right.

Mr. David Price

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this has gone on too long and that that very quiet and submissive body—the Parliamentary Scientific Committee—is getting very disturbed at the delay in making a decision? Is the Lord President also aware that our request for a Select Committee on Science and Technology does not raise the wider issues of principle that are involved in the important proposals that hon. Members on both sides of the House have for extending the Committee system? This is within the general principles established in the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries. Is he also aware—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] Many hon. Members on both sides are interested in this—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Supplementary questions must be brief.

Mr. Bowden

I am aware of the importance of this proposed Select Committee, and there is no question about its being set up. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could help me by having a word with his hon. and right hon. Friends on the Opposition Front Bench.